National Bow Tie Day Date in the current year: August 28, 2024

The history of bow ties dates back to the Thirty Year’s War that was fought in Central Europe in the 17th century. They are believed to have evolved from neck scarves worn by Croatian mercenaries to keep the collars of their shirts together. French soldiers brought the accessory to their homeland, where Croatian-style neckties were adopted by the upper classes.

Outside France, bow ties became an instant hit in 1886, when American tobacco magnate Pierre Lorillard wore one with his new style of formal wear to the Tuxedo Club. His black-and-white outfit became very popular among fashion enthusiasts.

Since then, the popularity of bow hasn’t diminished. Moreover, they aren’t exclusively associated with formal wear anymore; more and more people integrate bow ties in their smart casual looks. Fashion designers draw people’s attention to this simple and elegant accessory and emphasize its importance for creating a stylish look. So grab your favorite type of bow tie (self-tie, pre-tied or a clip-on) and wear it to celebrate National Bow Tie Day.